Air Conditioning Repair Sherman Oaks can inspect the entire system to determine what needs fixing. This allows them to provide accurate cost estimates for their services.
Often, strange sounds are a sign of trouble with your air conditioner. They can indicate a problem with the thermostat, the compressor, or the air filters.
An air conditioner that isn’t cooling your home can be a frustrating problem to deal with. Depending on the reason for the problem, you may be able to fix it yourself with a little troubleshooting. If the problem is more complicated, you’ll need a professional to make sure that the repairs are completed properly.
The first thing that a technician will check is the thermostat settings. They will check to ensure that the thermostat is set to cool and that it’s not set lower than the current temperature of your home. If this is the case, you can simply change the setting and it should help your AC system to cool your house.
They will also check the air filter and ensure that it’s not obstructed. They will also inspect the refrigerant levels, the size of the unit and examine the electronics, safety controls and wiring. They will then be able to explain the results of their inspection and provide repair options if necessary.
One common issue that a technician encounters is a capacitor that isn’t working. The capacitor is what powers the motors that run your compressor and fan. If the capacitor is bad, the cooling equipment won’t run correctly and might not even turn on. A technician will be able to test the capacitor and replace it if needed.
A clogged condensate drain is another problem that often affects room air conditioners. The clog prevents the condensation from draining and it can cause water to build up in your room air conditioner. This can lead to damage and overheating. A technician can clear out the clog and ensure that the drain is open.
Air conditioning systems require a lot of energy to work efficiently. If you notice that your electricity bills are skyrocketing, this can be a sign that your system is working too hard. It’s important to do regular maintenance on your air conditioner to keep it running smoothly and to avoid expensive repair services.
Warm Air
If you have a duct system that leaks, hot and cold spots can occur in the home. Airflow can also become restricted. This is a sign that your AC unit is struggling to remove warm air from the residence. Depending on the issue, you may need to seal or repair leaking or disconnected ductwork. A professional will be able to diagnose and fix this problem for you.
Humidity affects AC performance, and a properly operating AC unit is designed to manage the humidity level in your home. Symptoms of a humid house include fogged windows, condensation on metal and glass surfaces, mildew growth and musty smells. Other signs are excessive sweating, frizzy hair and clammy skin. If humidity is too high, your air conditioner will have to work harder on a regular basis to cool the house.
Another common issue is an improperly operating evaporator coil. It is vital that this part of the AC unit is clean and free from debris. If it is not, the refrigerant will leak out and freeze. This can damage the coil and lead to an expensive repair bill. A technician can inspect your evaporator coil and remove any dirt, dust or debris that has collected on it.
In Michigan, we have very diverse weather conditions. From hot and sunny summers to cold and snowy winters, weather fluctuations can be very harsh on your AC unit. Before extreme temperatures arrive, a professional can check the outdoor unit to ensure that it is protected. They can also service the unit and change the lubricant, and they can remove any debris that has collected on the unit during heavy storms.
Having routine maintenance done on your AC unit will help it perform better and last longer. On a non-windy day, you can test the airflow by putting a thermometer an inch or two from the vent. The temperature should match the temperature of the air 20 feet away. If it is higher, this could indicate a recirculating issue. Routine maintenance can also detect duct leaks and other issues before they become major problems.
Filters
The air filter might seem like a minor part of your AC system, but it plays a big role in your comfort and energy efficiency. The filter sits between the intake air and your system, so a dirty one can prevent the proper flow of air to keep your house cool and comfortable. When an air filter becomes clogged, it forces the system to work twice as hard to reach your desired indoor temperature. This consumes more electricity, which you’ll see on your energy bills.
The filter serves as a type of catch-all for any particles that would otherwise make their way into the working components of your air conditioner, including pet dander, dust, mold spores, and other allergens. When those contaminants get into your ductwork and circulated around the home, it can cause health issues for anyone with respiratory ailments or allergies. Changing the filter regularly prevents this from happening and keeps your air clean.
Dirty filters can also strain the system by making it turn on and off continuously throughout the day. This short cycling wastes energy and can wear down the parts of your unit prematurely, requiring repairs before they’re expected to last. This can cut the lifespan of your air conditioning system by as much as half.
Changing the filter is one of the easiest things you can do to help your system stay in good shape and avoid costly repairs. You should aim to change or replace your filter every month during the cooling season. You can choose a disposable or reusable filter, which comes in a variety of sizes and efficiencies. A professional can advise you on the best option for your specific home or business.
To change your filter, remove it from the housing and gently pull it out, removing any dirt or debris that may have collected on it. Carefully place a new filter in its housing, ensuring the airflow direction matches the arrows on the filter. When you’re finished, ensure the filter is fully dry before reinstalling it. If you’re cleaning a reusable filter, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to do so properly.
Electrical
Electrical systems are complex and must function properly for your air conditioning system to work as it should. These systems are more prone to malfunction than any other part of an AC unit, and even minor problems can grow into major ones without proper care. Luckily, most electrical issues can be repaired fairly quickly by a professional technician.
A tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse are common signs of electrical problems. These can occur due to a variety of reasons, including a faulty component, an overload, or an electrical short in the wires of your system. If you notice this issue, call for repairs right away as it can lead to permanent damage to your AC unit.
Broken fuses and relays are also a sign of a potential problem. Relays are used to turn the high-voltage components in your air conditioning system on and off, and if they become stuck they can prevent your motors from starting up or stopping them from running. Repair technicians can fix these issues by finding ways to open or close the relays.
Another electrical problem is a failing capacitor. Capacitors are responsible for sending electrical voltage to the motors in your air conditioning system, and they can either be a start or run capacitor or a combination of both. If a capacitor begins to fail, it will often produce clicking sounds or may stutter as the motors try to start up. Repair professionals can replace the capacitors with new ones that are the correct voltage to keep your air conditioning system running smoothly.
Finally, contactors are another part of the electrical system in your air conditioner that can stop working properly. Contactors control the flow of electricity to the blower motor, compressor, and condenser fan motor in your AC system. When they begin to wear out or break, it can cause all of these motors to stop working. Repair professionals can easily replace worn or damaged contactors, which is a relatively quick and inexpensive service.
It is always recommended to hire a professional for any type of electrical repairs in your air conditioning system. They have the specialized tools needed to safely work with electrical components inside your home, as well as extensive knowledge about how different parts of your air conditioner interact with one another.
